CITIZENS COMPASS —THE Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Michael Adedotun Gbadebo will celebrate his 80th birthday with the distribution of free drugs to 2,000 indigenes and residents of Abeokuta and its environs.
Alake said another 1, 000 people will benefit from the free eye screening and treatment, with provision for surgeries, where necessary.
The Chairman, 80th Birthday Planning Committee of Oba Gbadebo, Chief Oluyinka Kufile, disclosed this at a press conference held at Alake Palace, Ake, Abeokuta.
Kufile, who is the Aro of Egbaland, said the all-inclusive celebration will emphasize thanksgiving to God for the gift of longevity and good health for the monarch.
He said the celebration is to appreciate God for the peace, tranquility and progress in Egbaland, stressing that the Committee has come up with a week-long programme of activities for a befitting celebration.
His words, “there would be a health screening with free drug dispensation for 2000 people of all ages at Ake Palace from the hours of 9 am to 6 pm on Tuesday, 12th September 2023.
“The health screening and free drugs dispensation for all ages will be performed by health personnel from the Federal Medical Center and other health institutions in the State.
There would be eye screening and treatment for 1000 people at the Centenary Hall, opposite Ake Palace.
“There will also be chieftaincy investiture to recognize the contributions of eminent Egba sons and daughters and other good individuals to Egbaland, Ogun State and Nigeria.
While the above is ongoing, there will be a visit to the Daniel Akintonde School of the physically challenged, Stella Obasanjo Orphanage Home, the Lepers’ Colony, Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro, Abeokuta.
“By the wishes of the celebrant for emphasis on appreciation and thanksgiving to Almighty God, there would be a Muslim prayer and a Catholic Mass to be followed with an interdenominational Church Service at the Cathedral of St.Peters, Ake”, Kufile said.
“A major programme of interest to the celebrant is the turning of the sod and the foundation laying of the New Abeokuta City Hall.
“By Alake’s belief that in seven years, Abeokuta settlement will mark 200 years, it would be befitting for the edifice to have been completed in commemoration of Abeokuta Settlement.
